Nexa Advisory welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Inquiry into infrastructure for electric and alternative energy source vehicles in New South Wales (the Inquiry), led by the Legislative Assembly Committee on Transport and Infrastructure (the Committee).
We have previously discussed that the uptake of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is a critical enabler of Australia’s broader emissions reduction and energy security objectives. Advocating for policies to support the EV transition is pivotal for addressing climate concerns and economic pressures, particularly in a way that is equitable, competitive and consumer-focused.
The key objective of this Committee should be to consider the how competitive dynamics are supporting consumer outcomes across the delivery of EV infrastructure – namely public EV chargers – across New South Wales.
Notably, there is a considerable risk of monopoly electricity network businesses encroaching into the competitive market of EV charging infrastructure which the New South Wales Government must urgently address. This not only disadvantages third-party proponents but also risks slowing the pace of EV infrastructure deployment across New South Wales, undermining broader decarbonisation and electrification objectives.
To address these challenges, we strongly urge the New South Wales Government to:
- uphold and reinforce ring-fencing obligations to ensure that regulated DNSP businesses cannot own EV charging infrastructure and other assets which can be delivered competitively; and
- strengthen data transparency obligations through DNSP licencing arrangements, requiring DNSPs to publish network data relevant to hosting capacity, congestion and constraint locations to level the playing field for competitive third-party providers – as well as within infrastructure planning undertaken by local councils and community groups.
You can read our full submission here: Nexa Advisory – NSW EV Infrastructure Inquiry submission
You can read our supplementary submission here: Nexa Advisory – NSW EV Infrastructure Inquiry supplementary questions